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News > Sharp and RAI Donate the Power of Sunshine to Paterson Habitat for Humanity

Sharp and RAI Donate the Power of Sunshine to Paterson Habitat for Humanity

Paterson, N.J., September 18, 2012 – Paterson Habitat for Humanity announced today that Sharp Solar Electronics Corp of Mahwah and Ray Angelini, Inc. (RAI) are donating solar modules and equipment to bring the gift of sunshine and reduced electric bills to five Paterson Habitat for Humanity homeowners through the donation of an advanced solar energy system. Installation of the solar energy systems is underway and expected to provide Paterson Habitat for Humanity homeowners between 35-50 percent of their anticipated energy usage per year.

“We are thrilled that 60 Sharp employees volunteered to help build these homes so that Paterson Habitat for Humanity homeowners in New Jersey can live in more sustainable homes and pay little or nothing on their energy bills,” said Michael Ludgate, Senior Director of Sales, SESG. “At Sharp, we are dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Habitat for Humanity in the future.”

Sharp Electronics Corp of Mahwah is the lead donor and will contribute the solar energy panels for all five homes. Sharp Electronics is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan-based Sharp Inc., a world leader in solar cell production.

The Solar Energy Division of Sewell-based RAI is donating their engineering and installation services and has secured additional equipment donations from Fronius, AET and Elkor.

“This is a major donation of equipment and expertise by these companies,” said Barbara Dunn, executive director, Paterson Habitat for Humanity. “Their generosity is helping to write a new chapter in the history of energy efficient buildings in New Jersey and create a better life for five families.”

The five homes, located at 208-216 Harrison Street in the city’s 4th Ward, will be known as Harrison Green. The homes are designed to meet “LEED for Homes” requirements as well as the environmental standards of New Jersey’s Climate Choice Pilot Program. The renewable solar energy will provide between 35- 50 percent of the electric and water heating needs. Solar energy and the overall energy efficient design of the homes mean that the homeowners will pay little or nothing in electric utility bills for most of the year.

The Harrison Green townhouses are being built in cooperation with and partially funded by the state Department of Community Affairs Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Paterson Habitat is focusing its NSP funds on targeted areas of the 4th Ward where it is working in cooperation with other organizations to revitalize whole neighborhoods through construction of new homes and repair or removal of blighted buildings.

Paterson Habitat has been certified by the state as an Energy Star builder and has made a major commitment to using green building materials and techniques in the homes it builds in partnership with low-income families. The organization has served almost 250 families since it began in Paterson in 1984.

##About Paterson Habitat for Humanity
Paterson Habitat helps low-income families afford homes by offering them zero-interest mortgages and building new homes with volunteer construction teams and the volunteer labor of the homeowner families. The organization has served almost 250 families since it began in Paterson in 1984. For more information, please visit www.patersonhabitat.org and find out how you can donate or volunteer today.

About Ray Angelini, Inc.
Ray Angelini, Inc. (RAI) is a commercial solar design build, solar maintenance, electrical construction, general construction, and power systems testing and commissioning firm. Founded in 1974 by Raymond J. Angelini, as an electrical contracting company, RAI established a solar division in 2004 and has since completed solar projects throughout NJ, PA, DE and MD, including the Atlantic City Convention Center—the largest single-roof power array installation in the country at the time of completion in December 2008. RAI is recognized by NJBIZ magazine as the largest solar provider in NJ. RAI is a Butler Builder® construction professional. To learn more about RAI, visit www.raiservices.com or call the Sewell, NJ-based headquarters at 856-228-5566.